Expert Reviews ( 1 )

The Jaguar XJ, the renowned British automaker’s flagship model, stands out among full-size luxury sedans for its sporty character and road manners, benefits partly attributable to lightweight aluminum construction.

For the 2018 model year a new high-output V8-powered XJR575 takes the place of the XJR. Modifications to engine calibration have raised output from Jaguar’s supercharged 5.0-liter V8 from 550 to 575 horsepower. Torque output totals 517 pound-feet.

Other XJ versions get some aerodynamic tweaks outside, complemented by some styling touches within the cabin. Touch Pro infotainment, with 4G Wi-Fi, gets a new, larger (10-inch) central touchscreen. Rear-drive XJ models gain lane-keep assist and driver drowsiness monitoring, to complement their intelligent automatic. Jaguar’s All-Surface Progress Control system works like low-speed cruise control, to get the XJ moving on low-grip surfaces.

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash-tested the Jaguar XJ. Only six airbags are installed in each model, but a number of active-safety features are available.

In addition to a rearview camera, standard safety technologies include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with active lane control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and front/rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera setup are optional rather than standard.

Long-wheelbase models can get the Premium Rear Seat package with two individual seats.

Walkaround

Like the invariably-stylish Jaguar sedans of past decades, the 2018 XJ presents a dashing silhouette, casting a striking presence on the road. Design cues are well-matched to the sedan’s aluminum body panels.

Big rhombus-shaped headlights help set off Jaguar’s signature wire-mesh grille, which exudes a commanding aura. Gloss black rear pillars help create the illusion of expansive glass stretching across the body. Fenders swell in concert with the low roofline, recalling certain flowing classic French designs.

Interior

Abundantly equipped, inspired by luxury yachts, the richly appointed XJ is swathed in soft leather and chrome. Passenger room is good up front, but the sleekly sloping roofline takes a toll on back-seat space. Headroom is in short supply, though it’s a bit better in long-wheelbase models.

As expected, fit and finish rank as excellent. Supple leather and genuine wood veneers ensure top quality throughout. Still, the piano-black accents on the instrument panel aren’t as rich as the accompanying wood trim.

Every Jaguar XJ delivers a far sportier experience than is customary for the premium large-sedan class. Smooth and refined with a V6 powertrain, the British luxury sedan turns into a sophisticated fireball in new XJR575 form.

Because of the XJ’s lightweight chassis, the efficient V6 produces ample energy, not so far removed from V8 performance. Acceleration to 60 mph takes about 6 seconds with the V6, versus 4.9 seconds for V8 models.

As a rule, each XJ is quite composed. Reflexes are pure and predictable. Adaptive dampers work with the comparatively light body to present a more unified driving feel than typical competitors. Big ventilated disc brakes on each model yield good pedal feel.

Standard adjustable dampers and an adjustable rear air suspension smooth out most bumps. Although the ride is generally smooth, it starts to decline on high-performance models. Some drivers may consider the XJR575’s suspension too firm.

On dry pavement, Jaguar’s all-wheel-drive system sends 90 percent of power to the rear wheels, but a front/rear split up to 50/50 is possible.

Jaguar’s V6 engine is fairly fuel-efficient for the class, EPA-rated at 18/27 mpg City/Highway, or 21 mpg Combined, with either the short or long wheelbase. All-wheel-drive drops the estimate to 17/26/20 mpg for the short-wheelbase model and 17/25/20 mpg for the long wheelbase sedan.

The supercharged V8 is EPA-rated at 15/23 mpg City/Highway, or 18 mpg Combined. No estimate is available yet for the new XJ575. Jaguar’s stop-start system works well, with barely a flutter.

Summary

Lavish furnishings and illustrious British heritage, help make the XJ a good value. Sportier-than-usual road behavior also compels, drawing enthusiastic drivers. Naturally, the XJ’s lush profile attracts yet another group. Because available features are less extravagant than those offered by competitors, prices don’t become astronomical.

Driving impressions by The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.

* The J.D. Power Ratings are calculated based on the range between the car manufacturer or car model with the highest score and the car manufacturer or car model with the lowest score. J.D. Power generates a rating of a five, four, three, or two. If there is insufficient data to calculate a rating, “Not Available” is used in its place.

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